JP2002143440A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide novel variable display (including dramatic display) on a game machine (pachinko machine) for playing a variable display game, with which a plurality of kinds of identification information (special pictures) are variably displayed. SOLUTION: A display control means (game controller 100 and display controller 120) is provided with a function for performing switching display for changing the picture pattern or contents of a special picture or the like after the special picture or background image is temporarily made invisible by displaying a drop curtain P6, for example, while overlapping it on a picture under variable display on a variable display device 12.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine for performing a game for displaying identification information in a variable manner, and to a gaming machine capable of novel and variable display of identification information.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, on a game board of a "first type" pachinko machine, a fluctuating display device (LCD) capable of fluctuating and displaying identification information (so-called special map) for each of a plurality of display areas.
And a CRT) are provided, and a game (that is, a variable display game) is performed by the variable display of the special figure on the display screen. That is, apparently, a stop mode (a so-called combination of stop symbols) which is a result of the fluctuation display of the special figure.
Is a predetermined stop mode (for example, “7, 7, 7”
, The so-called big hit privilege is given to the player. In some cases, for example, at a time near the end of the fluctuation display, a fluctuation display of a special figure (so-called reach action) is performed in a special mode in order to give the player an expectation of a big hit. More specifically, all special figures except one display area are stopped with the same pattern, and the fluctuation display is performed at low speed only in the remaining one display area, and a special display image such as displaying a special background image or character Is performed.

[0003]

By the way, in this type of gaming machine, the fun of the variable display of a special figure is one of the points that determines the popularity of the gaming machine, and therefore, the fun of the new variable display is always more interesting. Is required. But conventionally,
Although there are various types of effects devised for the effect display using the characters and the background images as described above, the basic structure of the variable display is almost the same, so that there is a limit in further enhancing the interest. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine for performing a game for displaying identification information in a variable manner, which is capable of displaying a novel and unprecedented variable display game.

[0004]

To achieve the above object, a gaming machine according to the present invention has a variable display device for executing a variable display game in which a plurality of pieces of identification information are displayed in a variable manner and stopped. A gaming machine that can provide a bonus to a player when a specific stop mode is derived as a result of the variable display of the plurality of pieces of identification information, wherein the identification information and / or A display control unit having a function of performing a switching display for changing the display mode of the identification information and / or the display mode of the effect image after temporarily rendering the effect image for effecting the variable display invisible or difficult to view. It is characterized by having. The “display mode of the identification information” includes a combination of the identification information (for example, a combination of symbols) and a variation display mode of the identification information (a variation speed, a variation direction, and the like). Further, the “effect image” includes, for example, an image of a character, a background image, and the like.

In a preferred embodiment, the switching display displays a display content that is invisible or difficult to view so as to be visible before making it invisible or difficult to view (for example, Claim 2). It may be at least temporarily visible). That is, identification information that is temporarily invisible or difficult to see or the content of the effect image that is invisible from the beginning (for example, the one in which identification information is displayed at a high speed to make it invisible) is the present invention. (In other words, a mode in which the display content that is invisible or difficult to view is always displayed once before it is always visible) is preferable. In addition, when a display content that is invisible or difficult to view is displayed so as to be visually recognizable before that, the image is at least temporarily stopped (still image) or temporarily stopped (identification information is determined as a stop symbol). It is preferable that the display be made in a substantially stopped state (not performed). This is because, if the display content that is invisible or difficult to view is clearly visible to the player, the possibility that the player will feel uncomfortable becomes extremely low. In a preferred embodiment,
For example, as set forth in claim 3, the display control means can display a plurality of auxiliary identification information different from the identification information as the effect image on the variable display device. The configuration may be such that the switching display is executed after the display mode becomes a predetermined display mode. Further, for example, as described in claim 4, after the switching display, the display control means derives a specific stop mode of the identification information (a specific stop mode may be displayed immediately, (A specific stop mode may be displayed after performing the variable display.)

Also, for example, the display control means performs a display in which another image (a character image, a background image, or the like) is superimposed on the identification information and / or the effect image in the switching display. Thereby, the identification information and / or the effect image may be temporarily invisible or difficult to view. In addition, for example, as in claim 6, the display control means performs a display in which the identification information or / and the effect image is moved out of a display area in the switching display, so that the identification information or / and The effect image may be temporarily invisible.

Further, for example, the display control means may make only a part of the identification information invisible or difficult to view in the switching display. Also, for example, the display control means can display a plurality of auxiliary identification information different from the identification information as the effect image before the switching display, and The display mode of the information may correspond to the stop mode of the identification information after the switching display.

[0008]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an example in which an embodiment of the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine will be described. A. FIG. 1 is a front view showing a gaming board of a gaming machine for performing a pachinko game. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a game board, and a game area 3 is formed by surrounding a substantially circular area on the front surface with a guide rail 2. The game board 1 has an out ball inlet (located at the rear of the mounting member of the variable winning device 14 and is not shown), a variable display device 12, an ordinary electric accessory type starting winning port 13, a variable winning device 14 (large winning). Mouth), general figure starting gates 15, 16, a plurality of general winning openings 17-22, special figure starting memory display 23, general figure display 24, general figure starting memory display 25, hitting direction conversion member 26 called a windmill (Some parts are numbered and others are omitted for simplicity), and a number of obstacle nails (not shown) are provided. The variable display device 12 includes a screen capable of displaying identification information such as numbers and characters (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as special figures), and a plurality of variable display areas can be formed on the screen. A special map can be displayed for each. In this case, for example, three variable display areas are formed in three horizontal rows, and in each variable display area, a special figure composed of numbers, characters, and the like is displayed in a stopped state (stop display), or a variable state (for example, (In a state of scrolling in the vertical direction). Further, on the screen of the variable display device 12, it is possible to display an effect design (corresponding to the auxiliary identification information of the present invention) composed of a character image or the like separate from the special figure. 8 shows specific examples T1 to T12 of the above-described special symbols, and the lower part of FIG. 8 shows specific examples E1 to E4 of the above-described effect symbols. In this case, FIG.
Of the symbols T3, T7, T9 to T
Reference numeral 12 denotes a special symbol for generating a special game state such as a fluctuation time reduction and a probability fluctuation described later.

As described later, all of the plurality of winning ports provided on the game board 1, that is, the starting winning port 13, the variable winning device 14, and the general winning ports 17 to 22, are described below.
A winning detection sensor 131 and the like (for example, a proximity sensor and shown in FIG. 2) are arranged for each winning opening. Also,
Around the game board 1, a game board decoration member 31 is arranged, and side lamps 32 and 33 are arranged. The side lamps 32 and 33 are illumination members which decorate a game by blinking or lighting at the time of a reach or a big hit, for example.
Note that the game area 3 in the game board 1 is, for example, a so-called “first game area” as long as the game is performed using a pachinko ball.
It may belong to the "type", or belong to the "third type" provided with the variable display device, or may be another model, etc., and may have any configuration. The first type is used.

B. Control System Next, a control system of the pachinko machine of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 2, the game control device 100
Is a control device that performs overall control of the game (including the control of the progress of the game and the direct or indirect control of each controlled device for that purpose), and a one-chip microcomputer that controls the accessory required for pachinko games, etc. , A game microcomputer comprising a microcomputer (manufactured as a so-called amuse chip IC), an oscillator 101a (clock generation circuit), an input interface 102, and an output interface 103. The microcomputer 101 includes a CPU 104, a ROM 105, and an R
An AM 106 is provided.

Here, the input interface 102 of the game control device 100 includes a special figure start sensor 131, a general figure start sensor 132, a continuation sensor 133, a count sensor 1
34 and detection signals from the winning sensors A1 to AN. Here, the winning sensors A1 to AN are the general winning opening 1
These sensors are for detecting the winning balls that have won 7 to 22 respectively. If the gaming board has n general winning ports, n winning sensors are arranged. The special figure start sensor 131 is a sensor that detects a winning ball that has won the special winning start port 13, and the general figure start sensor 132 is a general figure start gate 15, 1.
6 is a sensor that detects a ball that has passed through
Reference numeral 33 denotes a sensor for detecting a winning ball flowing into a continuous winning channel (a channel passing through a so-called special winning port) in the large winning port of the variable winning device 14, and a count sensor 134.
Is a sensor that detects a winning ball that has flowed into a general winning channel (a channel that does not pass through the special winning port) in the large winning port of the variable winning device 14.

On the other hand, from the output interface 103 of the game control device 100, the above-mentioned general-purpose indicator 24, the above-mentioned general-purpose solenoid 108 for driving the above-mentioned starting winning opening 13 (ordinary variable winning device), and the opening and closing of the variable winning device 14. A special winning opening solenoid 109 for driving the door, a board external connection terminal 110 for transmitting board external information (for example, a jackpot signal or the like) to the management device of the game store, the lamp 32 on the game board 1 described above. , 33, the special figure start memory display 23 and the general figure start memory display 25, and the like, and the sound control apparatus 112 which drives a speaker (not shown) to control output such as sound effects. A signal is output. Further, a signal such as prize ball data is output from the output interface 103 to the discharge control device 113. That is, when the winning of the game ball is detected by the winning sensors 131, 133, 134, A1 to AN provided for each winning opening of the gaming board 1, the game control device 100 corresponds to the winning value of the winning opening. The information (prize ball data) of the number of award balls set in advance is transmitted to the discharge control device 113. And the emission control device 10
At 0, the prize ball data is received, and the prize ball discharge control is performed in accordance with the data. In addition, the display control information is transmitted from the output interface 103 to the display control device 120 that controls the above-described variable display device 12.

The display control device 120 also has a CP
The microcomputer includes a microcomputer including U121, and controls image display of the variable display device 12 based on display control information transmitted from the game control device 100. For example, when the variable display game is executed, the display control information including the data of the combination of stop symbols (stop mode) and the data of the variable time is transmitted from the game control device 100 in this case. In addition, the display control device 120 selects the variation mode that satisfies the stop mode and the variation time, and varies and displays special figures (identification information) in a plurality of variation display areas of the variation display apparatus 12 to stop. It is configured to play a game. In addition, the variation mode of the variable display of the special figure actually performed under the control of the display control device 120 is the same as the game control device 1.
00 may be uniquely determined by the display control information from 00, but in this case, the display control device 120 finally selects the variation mode by random number extraction or the like within the range of the condition given by the display control information. Configuration (display control device 12
0 is given a certain degree of discretion to select the variation mode). The display control information is transmitted from the game control device 100 to the display control device 120 by parallel communication, and transmits, for example, 8-bit command data (comprising the above-described stop mode data and fluctuation time data). 8-bit parallel signals (D0 to D7) for transmitting the command data,
Bit control signal (START signal, STB
(Strobe) signal). Then, each command data is transmitted sequentially in synchronization with the STB signal following the START signal, and the CPU 121 of the display control device 120 executes
The two types of command data are sequentially read while checking the TB signal.

As shown in FIG. 2, the display control device 120 provides a CPU 121, a ROM 122 for storing a control program and fixed data, a work area for the CPU 121, and a display control information transmitted from the game control device 100. RAM 123 for storing, DMAC (direct memory access controller) 124, interface 12
5. VDC (video display controller) 126 for driving display of the variable display device 12, font ROM 127 storing display data such as images and characters, gamma correction circuit 128 for display correction, oscillator (clock generation circuit) 12
9, the buffer circuit 130 and the like, and controls the variable display device 12 based on the display control information to realize the display of the special figure and the effect design, as well as images of predetermined effect characters and background. The display of (moving image or still image) is also executed. The buffer circuit 130 is a game control device 1
This circuit allows a signal (signal of display control information) to pass only in the direction from 00 to the display control device 120. This circuit prevents the signal from being transmitted from the display control device side to the game control device side, and the display control Even if the device is tampered with, the signal output by the tampering is not transmitted to the game control device, which is the center of game control. Also, the DMAC 124 reads the VDC from the RAM 123.
The data is DMA-transferred to 126.

Here, when display control information (strictly speaking, the above-described START signal) is input from the game control device 100 via the interface 125, a reception interrupt is applied to the CPU 121 from the interface 125,
In response to this, the CPU 121 displays the display control information (strictly speaking,
The above-mentioned command data) is received and stored in the RAM 123. Then, the CPU 121 analyzes the received display control information and, for example, in the case of a variable display of a special figure, determines the content of the variable display based on the information on the stop mode and the variable time included therein, and determines the content of the variable display. Generates display data (data consisting of code of display symbols, display position data, commands such as scrolling, etc.) for realizing display, and RAM
123. Next, the VDC 126 sets the DMAC 1
24, the display data sent from the RAM 123 is read into the internal RAM and expanded. That is, the character font data stored in the font ROM 127 is read out in correspondence with the special figure, effect design, and character code to be displayed, and image data (including a background image) to be displayed is generated in accordance with the display position data and the like. It is stored in the display image storage area of the RAM. Thereafter, the VDC 126 reads the image data from the display image storage area and sends it to the γ correction circuit 128 to form a display drive signal for the variable display device 12. The VDC 126 is connected to the fluctuation display device 12.
, A vertical synchronization signal (V-SYNC) and a horizontal synchronization signal (H-SYNC) are sent. The γ correction circuit 128 corrects the non-linearity of the illuminance with respect to the signal voltage of the variable display device 12, and adjusts the display illuminance of the variable display device 12. Thus, a predetermined display is performed on the screen of the variable display device 12.

C. Outline of Game Next, an outline of a game performed by the gaming machine of the present embodiment and a flow of the game will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a flow of the entire game. First, at the beginning of the game (or before the start of the game), the game is in a customer waiting state as shown in FIG. 3, and display control information for instructing display of a customer waiting screen is transmitted from the game control device 100. Then, a customer waiting screen (moving image or still image) is displayed on the screen of the variable display device 12. Then, when a game ball hit into the game area via the guide rail 2 wins a start winning prize port 13 which is a start port (chucker) of a special figure (that is, if there is a start prize), the above-described fluctuation occurs. The display control information for instructing the display is the game control device 1
A display in which a number of special figures (comprising numbers, characters, symbols, patterns, etc.) are changed (for example, scrolled) in a plurality of variable display areas of the display screen of the variable display device 12 (so-called variable display). Is performed, and the variable display game is performed. Then, the result of the variable display game (combination of stopped special figures) is displayed in a specific display mode (for example,
In the case of "7, 7, 7" or the like, a bonus called a big hit is given to the player. For control purposes, the value of the jackpot random number is extracted and stored, for example, on condition that there is a start winning, and the extracted and stored random number value is compared with a predetermined determination value at the time of determination, and this comparison is determined. Based on the determination result, it is determined in advance whether to make a big hit,
The variable display is started according to this determination. In addition, when so-called fluctuation time reduction control is performed, the time from the start to the end of the fluctuation of the special figure is shorter than usual, and the frequency of the fluctuation display game per time is substantially reduced accordingly. It is advantageous to increase. Also, if the probability of a jackpot is set to a high probability by controlling so-called probability fluctuation, the probability of a jackpot being greater than usual increases.

At the time of this big hit, the opening / closing door of the big winning port of the variable winning device 14 is temporarily opened for a period of up to ten winnings, for example, within a range not exceeding a prescribed time (for example, 30 seconds). An opening operation is performed. The opening operation is performed, for example, on condition that detection of a continuous winning ball (detection of a winning ball by the continuous sensor 133) is performed.
Performed multiple times up to 16 rounds. Further, in this jackpot state, display control information for instructing the display of the jackpot screen for producing the jackpot state or notifying the player of the number of jackpot rounds is transmitted from the game control device 100, and the display of the variable display device 12 is performed. On the screen, such a jackpot display is executed. Also, when a game ball further wins in the start winning port 13 during the above-mentioned fluctuating display game or a big hit, the fancy starting memory display 23 is turned on and stored up to four in this case. Alternatively, after the big hit ends, the change display game of the above-mentioned special figure is repeated based on the memory (that is, the start memory), or the state returns to the customer waiting state. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, if the variable display game ends with a big hit, the state shifts to a big hit state. If the variable display game ends with a loss and there is a start memory, the variable display game is executed again, and the variable display game is lost. If there is no start memory, the game returns to the customer waiting state.If the jackpot ends and there is a start memory, the variable display game is executed again. ing.

On the other hand, during the game, when the game ball passes through the general-purpose starting gates 15 and 16, the variation of the general-purpose figure (in this case, a single-digit number) on the general-purpose indicator 24 is changed. A display game is performed. If the result of the variable display game (stopped ordinary figure) is a predetermined mode (for example, “7”), a game value (privilege) called per ordinary figure is given. At this time, when the pair of opening / closing members of the starting winning opening 13 is opened in an inverted C-shape, for example, 0.5
A game held for about a second is performed. This makes it easier for the game ball to win in the starting winning opening 13, and accordingly, the number of times the special figure variable display game is performed increases and the possibility of a big hit increases. In addition, when the game ball is further won at the general figure starting gates 15 and 16 during the fluctuation display game of the general figure,
The general-purpose start display indicator 25 is lit, and in this case, up to four are stored. After the variation display game of the general-purpose ends, the variation display game of the general-purpose is repeated based on the storage.

D. Operation of Control System Next, the control of the gaming machine performed by the above-described control system will be described. (A) Main Routine of Game Control Device First, an outline of a main routine of the game control device 100 (microcomputer 101) will be described. When power is supplied and the reset signal is released and the microcomputer 110 is started, first, processing is performed to determine whether or not power is turned on. If power is turned on, initialization processing is performed. Initialization, I / O register setting,
Processing for setting registers in the system, initialization of flags, and the like are performed. Next, a special figure game process is performed. In this special figure game process, overall control of the entire variable display game is performed. That is, when the fluctuation start condition is satisfied, a jackpot random number is determined (a process of determining whether the jackpot random number extracted and stored in the timer interrupt process described later is a jackpot), a jackpot flag is set in the case of a jackpot, A process of setting a combination (stop mode) of the stop symbols in the figure and a process of setting the variation mode of the special figure are performed. Here, the time when the fluctuation start condition is satisfied is when the condition for generating the flow indicated by the symbol H in FIG. 3 is satisfied, and when the fluctuation display game is started with the start opening winning in the customer waiting state, the fluctuation display is started. There are three types: when a game ends and the variable display game is executed again with a start memory, and when the big hit is ended and there is a start memory, the variable display game is executed again. In the special figure game processing, processing for setting various output data related to the special figure variable display game is also performed. That is, the content (command data) of the control information (command) to be transmitted to the display control device 120, the decoration control device 111, the sound control device 112, and the like, for example, is set in accordance with the gaming state of the special display variable display game.

Next, a process for a normal variation display game is performed. That is, a process of setting the content (command data) of the control information (command) to be transmitted to the sound control device 112, the decoration control device 111, and the like in accordance with the state of the fluctuation display game in the ordinary figure is performed. Next, an external information editing process is executed. This is processing for setting output data (big hit signal, prize ball signal, etc.) of the board external connection terminal 110.

Next, a random number updating process is executed. Here, the random number related to the special figure and the random number related to the ordinary figure are updated. The random numbers related to the special map include, for example, a jackpot random number (random number for determining whether or not to make a jackpot), a reach random number (random number for reach mode determination), a jackpot stop symbol random number (for jackpot stop symbol determination). Random numbers). In the generation of the random numbers, the random numbers of the special figure and the ordinary figure are updated by incrementing, for example, “1”. Therefore, every time this routine is repeated, the random numbers of the special figure and the ordinary figure change, and the random number extraction value per the big hit or the ordinary figure keeps the at randomness. Reach random numbers,
The same applies to the big hit stop symbol random numbers. In addition,
Such a random number update process may be partially or entirely performed in a timer interrupt process described later, or may be performed regularly and irregularly in both the main routine and the timer interrupt process. You may. Note that the above main routine (excluding the startup process such as the initialization process)
For example, it is repeatedly executed sequentially.

(B) Timer Interrupt Process of Game Control Device Next, an outline of the timer interrupt process of the game control device 100 (microcomputer 101) will be described. This timer interrupt process is started by the timer start process in the main routine described above, and is executed, for example, every 0.5 msec. In this timer interrupt process, first, a save process of a register and an interrupt prohibition process are executed as necessary, and then an input process is executed. In this input process, the above-mentioned sensors (the special figure start sensor 131, the general figure start sensor 132, the continuation sensor 13
3, count sensor 134, winning opening sensors 1 to n (A1
To AN)). Specifically, the output value of each sensor is determined for each timer interrupt cycle, and when the output value of the same level continues for a specified number of times (for example, twice), the level of this output value is detected by each sensor. Read as the definitive value of the signal. When it is read that any one of the sensors or the switches is turned on, a flag (input flag) indicating that is turned on.

Next, an output process for setting and outputting the output data set in the main routine described above to an output port is executed, and then the set control devices (display control device 120, discharge control device 113, sound A process (command transmission process) of transmitting control information (command) to the control device 112 and the decoration control device 111) is executed. As a result, the display control device 120 variably displays a plurality of special figures on the display device 12 in a plurality of rows, and the variability display game is appropriately performed. In addition, the effect of the game state and the like using the background image of the special figure is appropriately performed, and a switching display for changing the display mode of the special figure after temporarily disabling the special figure is performed as described later. . Thereafter, a timer update process is performed. The timer update process is for generating a time for use in each process of the main routine.

Next, an error monitoring process is executed. This is a process for monitoring an undetected error of each prize ball sensor, an excessive error of prize ball discharge, an open state of a glass frame (not shown) covering the front of the game board 1, and the like. Next, switch monitoring processing (sensor input monitoring processing) is executed. It monitors the input flag set as described above,
For example, when the input flag of the special map start sensor 131 is set, processing such as extracting and storing the value of the jackpot random number is executed. Thereafter, in order to restart the main routine, the saved register is restored, the interrupt is permitted, and the process interrupted at the time of the interrupt is returned (returned).

E. Next, the display during the variable display game of the present gaming machine (particularly, the switching display) will be described. As the change display of the special figure, a display including a switching display or a display further including a display of an effect symbol is selected at all times or randomly based on a reach random number or the like. The switching display is performed after a part or all of the special figure or the effect image (including the background image, the character image, or the above-described effect design) is temporarily displayed invisibly or hardly visible, and then the display mode or effect of the special figure is displayed. The display mode of the image changes, and the details of the change include, for example, the following. (A) The symbols of the special figure are, for example, the special figures T1 and T shown in FIG.
2, T3,..., T12 are sequentially displayed in a fluctuating manner, but are switched discontinuously from, for example, a special figure T7 to T2 by switching display. (B) The change speed of the special figure switches from high speed to low speed. (C) The change direction of the special figure is switched from vertical scroll to horizontal scroll, for example. (D) The variation mode of the special figure is a non-full rotation (variation mode that is not full rotation), and a full rotation (for example, the special figure in each of the left, middle, and right variation display areas is vertically scrolled simultaneously and vertically. ). (E) A combination of symbols in a special figure changes from a mode in which no game value is provided to a mode in which a game value is provided. For example, a pattern that switches from a lost symbol (for example, “7, 1, 3”) to a big hit symbol (for example, “2, 2, 2”). (F) The design of the special figure changes from a mode of giving a predetermined game value to a mode of giving a larger game value. For example, a big hit symbol (for example, “2, 2, 2”) that does not change in probability is changed to a big hit symbol (for example, “3, 3, 3”) that changes in probability. (G) A type in which the type and operation of the effect image, or a color, shape, size, etc., change (for example, an image that changes from a sea background to a row of cherry trees). (H) The effect image disappears (for example, the effect design disappears and disappears).

Further, it is not necessary that the switching display for temporarily displaying the special figure or the effect image so as to be visually invisible or difficult to view is not necessarily performed during one variable display game.
For example, a configuration may be adopted in which game information is performed in accordance with game information (for example, information on whether to perform a reach action, whether to make a big hit, or the like) related to a variable display game, and the game information is consequently reported. That is, the switching display may be performed only when, for example, a reach action or a big hit is made (or when there is a high possibility), and in this case, the so-called reach notice or big hit notice (or big hit) is made by the change display. Notification of reliability). Also, the mode of the switching display may be one type,
A configuration may be employed in which a plurality of types of switching displays are registered in advance, and any one of them is selected. The mode of the switching display may be selected completely at random by a random number such as a reach random number, but if the selection is made in accordance with the game information on the variable display game, the game information is also selected. The notification can be made according to the mode of the switching display.

F. Display Example Next, FIGS. 4 to 7 show specific examples of display contents (mainly switching display contents) displayed on the screen of the display device 12 during the variable display game of the gaming machine of the present example. Figure 4
Fig. 5 is an example of a variable display including a switching display in which a special figure or the like is faded out or retracted from the display area to make it invisible (first display example). Figs. 5 to 7 show different images in the special figure or the like. It is an example (second display example) of a variable display including a switching display that makes the special figure invisible by the superimposed display. First, a first display example will be described. FIG. 4A shows a background image (an image viewed from the running direction) in which the truck P1 driven by the main character runs on a seaside road, and
FIG. 9 shows a state in which the variable display of the special figure shown in FIG. 8 is performed in the variable display area of the left and right three columns on the lower side of the screen. More specifically, FIG. 4A shows that the combination of the symbols of the special figure is “7, 4, 7” by the variable display by the vertical scroll.
In the reach action (combination of symbols T7 and T4 in FIG. 8), a state is shown after the right symbol “7” fades out (gradually disappears) at the same time as the gull P2 crosses the background image. In this case, the remaining special figure and background image shown in FIG. 4A also fade out thereafter, and the entire screen temporarily becomes white. Next, a background image of the truck P1 and the seaside road viewed from the side (FIG. 4B)
) Is gradually displayed (fade-in), and each symbol T4 or T7 is displayed again (for example, gradually displayed from the left side). On this occasion,
The symbol T4 located at the center changes to the right, and the symbol T7 located at the right changes to the center and is switched, and the combination of the symbols of the special figure is "7, 7, 4". That is, when the tokuzu and the like temporarily disappear, they become invisible, and then a switching display is performed in which the display mode of the background image and the tokuzu is switched.

Next, in a state where the horizontal image is displayed on the background, for example, an operation in which the truck P1 runs from the right side is displayed. When the bed of the truck P1 comes to the center of the screen, each special figure is displayed. The action of sticking to the side of is displayed. After that, the track P1 with each special figure attached to the side
However, for example, the speed-up or speed-down causes the background image to move right or left in the background image, so that the special figure and the effect image (track P1) become partially invisible. The operation in which the symbols change as appropriate is displayed. In other words, a special figure or the like is temporarily evacuated from the display area and becomes invisible, and thereafter, a switching display in which the display mode of the special figure is switched is executed. FIG. 4B shows a state in which the track P1 temporarily moves to the left in such a series of displays, and a portion except for the rear portion of the track P1 is retracted from the display area and becomes invisible. ing. In this case, each time the track P1 temporarily moves to the right side and the right special figure moves out of the display area and becomes unrecognizable, only the irregular special figure on the right side, for example, in FIG. By changing from T4 to T9 or further from T9 to T3, a final variable display as a reach action for determining whether or not a big hit is realized. Then, the three finally arranged symbols (for example, the track P1
The pattern of each special figure when the movement to the left and right stops
Is, for example, a double line (in this case, “7, 7, 7”), the result of the variable display game is a big hit, and other stop modes (for example, “7, 7, 3”) If so, the result of the variable display game is off.

Next, a second display example will be described. This second display example (FIGS. 5 to 7) corresponds to, for example, FIG.
In the background image as shown in (a), as a result of the variable display by vertical scrolling of the three columns of special figures, the pattern of the special figures is irregular (for example, “7, 6, 3”). It is a display example including a reach action and a re-lottery by the effect symbol performed afterwards. Here, the re-lottery is to determine again whether the special state such as the above-mentioned probability fluctuation or time reduction control is generated by re-changing the symbol of the special figure after the jackpot is determined. In this reach action, for example, in a state where an irregular special figure (separation stop mode) is displayed in the background image shown in FIG. 4A, first, boxes P3 and P4 (shown in FIG. 5A) are extracted from the background image. Appearing and merging on the back side of the left and right special figures, a display is made in which the effect design (auxiliary identification information) appears from inside the box. In this case, for example, the effect symbol E1 (fish effect symbol) in FIG. 8 appears from both left and right boxes P3 and P4.

Next, the truck P1 is rotated horizontally and turned backward, the symbol of the special figure at the center fades out, the rear hatch of the track P1 is opened, and a box (not shown) with the symbol of the special figure appears from the inside. I do. The box with this design is
It jumps out to the center position of the special figure, and when it jumps out, the lid is temporarily opened slightly and you can see the items inside. The item in the middle is any of the effect designs E1 to E4 shown in FIG.
(E1 to E4 other than 1), and a display is made in which the character (truck driver) appears and takes away the box. Next, after the boxes with the symbols (irregular ones) appear sequentially, the display to be taken away is repeated a plurality of times, and then a predetermined item in which three rendering symbols are aligned (ie,
An effect symbol constituting a predetermined display mode of the auxiliary identification information; in this case, a box P with a symbol containing an effect symbol E1) of a fish.
5 is displayed, and an operation in which the character makes an effort to open the lid of the box P5 is displayed. Then, in the case of a jackpot, the lid of the box P5 is opened, a predetermined effect design E1 appears from the inside, and as shown in FIG. 5A, three items of each box are arranged. A state (that is, a state in which the auxiliary identification information has a predetermined display mode) is displayed. Thereby, it is possible to notify the player of the jackpot. In this case, the symbol of each special figure in which the boxes P3, P5, and P4 are united is T7, T1, T3 (that is,
"7, 1, 3"), which is a missed symbol, but is a big hit because the effect symbols as auxiliary identification information are all three (the effect symbol is a hit). On the other hand, in the case of the disengagement, the image of the character running on the track P1 is displayed without opening the lid of the box P5,
The current fluctuation display game ends.

Next, when the effect symbol is hit as described above, as shown in FIG.
(Another image) is closed from the left and right, and the special figure and the effect image (including the background image and the effect pattern) which have been displayed so far are covered by the hanging curtain P6 (the hanging curtain P6 overlaps), and It is not visible. Then, the symbol of each special figure changes immediately after being covered by the banner P6, and becomes a jackpot symbol (for example, “2, 2, 2”) until the banner P6 covers the entire screen. Here, FIG. 5B shows a state in which the hanging curtain P6 has been closed and the left and right special figures have changed to the symbol T2.
(B) shows a specific example of a switching display in which a special figure or the like is temporarily invisible by a display in which another image is superimposed, and then the display mode of the special figure is switched. In addition, banner P
6 may be displayed as, for example, a translucent material, and may be in a state in which a special figure or the like is in a state in which it is difficult to see (a state in which the figure is dim). Also, the banner P6 is not completely closed, but partially covers the background image, the special figure, and the like (for example, FIG.
(A state like (b)).
Also, instead of the display as shown in FIG.
A display as shown in FIG. 9A (a display in which all of the special maps and effect images are temporarily covered by the hanging banner P6) and a display as shown in FIG. Banner P6
May be displayed, but only the effect symbols are temporarily left). Even with such a display,
Switching of the display mode of the special figure (for example, changing the design of the special figure from "7, 1, 3" to "3, 3, 3") can be performed without discomfort. Immediately after executing the switching display by the hanging screen P6, before starting the re-variation due to the next full rotation (FIG. 6C), the big hit symbol (for example, “2, 2, 2”) is substantially omitted. The display of the so-called temporary stop state displayed in the stop state may be performed for a certain time.

Next, on the screen, as shown in FIG. 6 (c), in a state where the banner P6 completely covers the background image, a fluctuation display by the full rotation of the special figure is executed. The full rotation in this case is a vertical scroll at a high speed with the three symbols of each special figure being aligned (double eyes). Next, on the screen, as shown in FIG. 6D, the hanging curtain P6 gradually starts to open, and the full rotation of the special figure changes to a low speed. As the background image that reappears when the banner P6 opens, a background image that is different from the background image before the banner P6 closes and that celebrates the big hit is displayed. In this case, specifically, an image is displayed in which the truck P1 driven by the character on the road lined with cherry blossoms runs lightly (see FIG. 7E). After that, the special figure that has been fully rotated stops after a predetermined fluctuation time elapses, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 7E, and the final stop state of the special figure is determined. As a result, it is possible to finally notify the player that the big hit has occurred, and to notify whether or not a special game state such as a probability change occurs. In this case, when a special game state such as a probability change is generated, the special symbols T3, T7, T9 to T1 described above are used.
It becomes a stop mode of three sets of any of the two patterns,
When the special game state is not generated, the stop state of all three symbols (for example, “8, 8, 8” shown in FIG. 7E) is stopped.

As described above, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, since the display control means constituted by the game control device 100 and the display control device 120 performs the variable display including the switching display as described above, there is no conventional device. Novel fun can be realized. That is, the special map and the effect image cannot be visually recognized temporarily, so that the player can be excited and can enjoy the subsequent changes more effectively. In addition, when the player cannot be visually recognized temporarily, discontinuous or unnatural changes in special figures and effect images, which were impossible in the past, can be performed without discomfort. Variable display (including effect display) becomes possible. In addition, in the present embodiment, in the switching display, the display contents that are made invisible are displayed so as to be visually recognizable before being made invisible, so that the possibility of the player feeling uncomfortable is extremely reduced, and the display is interesting. Can be improved without any problems. For example, in the above-described second display example, before the switching display by the hanging curtain P6, the special figure symbol (“7,
1, 3 ") are displayed in a temporary stop state as shown in FIG. 5 (a), then the hanging curtain P6 is closed and the switching display is executed, and thereafter, the special figure after the switching (" 2, 2,. 2) is displayed in a temporary stop state in the same manner, for example, and then FIG.
Is displayed (corresponding to a so-called re-variation) due to the full rotation of the special figure as shown in FIG. For this reason, the off symbol ("7, 1, 3") is a big hit symbol ("2, 2, 2")
It is very unlikely that the player will feel uncomfortable even if it changes to and changes again. Note that, in the second display example, the case where the voltage fluctuates again after the switching display is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the switching display is performed from the temporary stop state as described above, and then the temporary stop state is displayed again with the switched symbol, and then the stop state (the variable display of the special figure ends, and the special figure (Determined state), and the same effect can be obtained in such a mode. Further, as in the second display example described above, when a plurality of pieces of auxiliary identification information (effect symbols) are displayed and switching display is performed after the auxiliary identification information has a predetermined display mode, normal identification information is used. The display result of the identification information (auxiliary identification information) that is different from the (special figure) causes some novel change (in this case, a jackpot, the special figure is fully rotated, and the background image changes. This causes a probability variation or the like), so that the player cannot keep an eye on the display content of the auxiliary identification information as well as the normal display of the variation of the identification information, and the effect of the display is further enhanced.

Also, as in the above-described second display example, the stop mode of the identification information derived after the switching display is configured to be a specific stop mode in which a privilege (a big hit in this case) is given to the player. In this case, the player can foresee that the privilege is given by performing the switching display, so that the expectation of the switching display is increased, and the interest of the game is further improved. Further, as in the above-described first display example, a case where a special figure or the like is partially invisible and only some symbols of the special figure are changed (in a case where the special figure or the like does not entirely change) ), There is a continuous sense of expectation related to the special figure design,
There is an advantage that expectation can be maintained without interruption. For example, in the first display example shown in FIG. 4, the symbol of the special figure is “7, 7, 4”, and only the symbol on the right is subject to change of the switching display. The symbols are always "7, 7, 7" (that is, special symbols), and it is possible to continue to have a sense of expectation that a probability variation or the like will occur.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. For example, the display mode of the auxiliary identification information displayed before the switching display may correspond to the display mode of the identification information after the switching display. The following are examples of this correspondence. First, there is a mode in which the identification information after switching display is limited by the symbol type of the auxiliary identification information. For example, in the case where the symbols are set as shown in FIG. 8, when three of the fish effect symbols E1 (auxiliary identification information) are displayed, all the symbols (the symbols T1 to T1) are displayed after the subsequent switching display. When any one of the stop symbols of T12) is derived (the identification information is not limited), and when the three crab effect symbols E2 are displayed in a row, the stop symbol by the special symbol (the symbol T3, T7, etc.) is always used. Is derived, and when the beer effect design E3 is displayed in three sets, the stop design by the numeric design (designs T1 to T8) is always derived, and the apple effect design E4 is displayed in three sets. At times, a configuration in which a stop symbol is always derived from a symbol (a symbol T9 to T12) may be adopted. In addition, the identification information after the switching display is limited depending on the symbol type of the auxiliary identification information, whereby the composition ratio of the special symbol (in other words, the apparent probability that the stop symbol by the special symbol is derived) may be different. . For example, the effect design E of fish
When three are displayed in a row, after the subsequent switching display, the probability that the stop symbol by the special symbol (the symbol T3, T7, etc.) is derived (in other words, the probability variation control is performed after the big hit). The probability is 100%, and when three crab effect designs E2 are displayed in a set, the probability is 75%. When three beer effect designs E3 are displayed in a set, the probability is 50%. %, And when three apple effect symbols E4 are displayed in a row, the probability may be 25%.
In addition, there may be a mode in which the pattern of the symbols of the identification information after the switching display is limited depending on the pattern of the symbols of the auxiliary identification information. For example, if the symbol of the auxiliary identification information is in the double-eye state (for example, three aligned), the stop symbol of the identification information after the switching display is also in the double-eye state (or more likely to be in the double-eye state). If the symbol of the auxiliary identification information is a reach loss type (for example, fish, fish, crab), the stop symbol of the identification information after the switching display is also a reach loss type (for example, 7, 7,.
3) (or the possibility of becoming a reach loss system becomes high). In any case, in this case, the player's attention to the display mode of the auxiliary identification information is increased, and the effect of the auxiliary identification information is more effective. In addition, the present invention can be applied to any game machine other than a pachinko machine (for example, a slot machine) as long as the game machine includes a display device and performs a game for displaying a change in identification information. The embodiments disclosed this time are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

[0036]

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, the display control means:
Since the variable display including the switching display as described above is performed, a novel and unprecedented interest can be realized. That is, since the identification information and the effect image cannot be visually recognized temporarily (including a case where it is difficult to visually recognize the image), the player can be thrilled and can enjoy the subsequent changes more effectively. Moreover,
If the player cannot be visually recognized temporarily, discontinuous or unnatural changes in identification information and effect images, which were not possible in the past, can be made without discomfort, and a variable display rich in changes like the display example described above. (Including effect display).

Further, according to the second aspect of the present invention, when the switching display is to display the display content that is invisible or difficult to view so as to be visible before making it invisible or difficult to view, The possibility of feeling uncomfortable is extremely reduced, and the fun of display can be improved without any problem.
Further, when a plurality of auxiliary identification information are displayed and the switching display is performed after the auxiliary identification information has a predetermined display mode, the identification information different from the normal identification information is displayed. That is, the display result of the auxiliary identification information) causes some novel change, so that the player cannot keep his eyes on the display contents of the auxiliary identification information as well as the normal display of the fluctuation of the identification information, and the effect of the display More effective. Further, in the gaming machine according to the fourth aspect, the stop mode of the identification information derived after the switching display is a specific stop mode in which a privilege is given to the player. Thus, the player can foresee that the privilege is given by performing the switching display, so that the expectation of the switching display is increased, and the interest of the game is further improved.

In the case where only part of the identification information is made invisible or difficult to recognize (in a case where all of the identification information does not change), the sense of expectation relating to the identification information is reduced. There is an advantage that the expectation can be continued without interruption. Further, when the display mode of the auxiliary identification information displayed before the switching display and the stop mode of the identification information after the switching display are made to correspond to each other, a game corresponding to the display mode of the auxiliary identification information is performed. The attention of the person is increased, and the effect of the effect by the auxiliary identification information becomes more effective.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a game board of a pachinko machine.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a control system of the pachinko machine.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a flow of a game.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example of a special figure and the like.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display example of a special figure and the like.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display example of a special figure and the like.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display example of a special figure and the like.

[Fig. 8] Special figure (identification information) and effect design (auxiliary identification information)
It is a figure which shows the specific example of.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display example (modification) of a special figure or the like.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game board 12 Fluctuation display device 100 Game control device (display control means) 120 Display control device (display control means)

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A variable display device for executing a variable display game in which a plurality of pieces of identification information are displayed in a variable manner and stopped, wherein a specific stop mode is derived as a result of the variable display of the plurality of pieces of identification information. In the gaming machine which can provide a bonus to a player, in the variable display device, after temporarily making the identification information or / and the effect image for effecting the variable display visually invisible or difficult to view, A gaming machine comprising a display control means having a function of performing a switching display for changing a display mode of the identification information and / or a display mode of the effect image. 2. The switching display according to claim 1, wherein the display content that is invisible or difficult to view is displayed so as to be visible before making it invisible or difficult to view.
The gaming machine described. 3. The display control means may display a plurality of auxiliary identification information different from the identification information as the effect image on the variable display device, and a display mode of the auxiliary identification information may be predetermined. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the switching display is executed after the display mode is changed to the display mode. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the display control means executes a display for deriving a specific stop mode of the identification information after the switching display. 5. The display control means temporarily displays the identification information or / and the effect image by performing a display in which another image is superimposed on the identification information or / and the effect image in the switching display. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the gaming machine is disabled or difficult to view. 6. The display control means temporarily displays the identification information or / and the effect image by moving the identification information or / and the effect image out of a display area in the switching display. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the gaming machine is invisible. 7. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the display control means makes only a part of the identification information unrecognizable or difficult to recognize in the switching display. 8. The display control means may display a plurality of auxiliary identification information different from the identification information as the effect image before the switching display, and a display mode of the auxiliary identification information, 8. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a stop mode of the identification information after the switching display is made to correspond.